Down Alternative Pillow Reviews, Ratings and Comparisons

What You Need To Know

THE BAD: May lack adequate support and firmness for some people • durability / longevity is no better than fair • regular fluffing may be needed to maintain loft • lumpiness is possible.

THE PILLOWS: Down pillows are filled with polyester "gel"
or "puff" fibers. These fibers give the pillows a feel similar to that of down, but
without the possible allergy issues. They are sometimes called "gel" pillows because of the gel fibers they contain, not because they have gel liquid.

Down Alternative Pillow Ratings: As a Group

The ratings below discuss how the pillows overall as a group are evaluated by owners. For ratings and information on specific brands, see the section following this one.

Owner satisfaction

b-

Down alternative pillows overall as a group have 81% owner satisfaction. (81 out of 100 based on 3609 reviews.) Satisfaction can differ somewhat by brand and model. Overall, down alternative pillows have high owner satisfaction among people who like soft pillows and low satisfaction among people who prefer firm pillows.

Durability / longevity

c

Expect about a 2-4 year lifespan with regular use in most cases. As the product ages, it will flatten and possibly develop clumps and hollow spots.

Affordable

b+

Prices range from $10-$50. Owners on average pay $36 for a pair. Given their low price, decent durability and respectable
owner satisfaction, owners say the pillows are a value.

Less
pain

c

Pain relief provided by the pillow is about average
with 8% of owners reporting reduced pain, including neck pain. 3% of owners say the
pillow causes pain usually due to lack of support. Their softness often reduces pressure points.

Supportive

c

A lack of adequate support is the main complaint about
the pillow. 15% of owners want more support. Owners are split as to
whether the pillow holds its shape and supportiveness adequately through the night.

Moldable

B

Down alternative pillows, especially the softer varieties, can often be scrunched at least somewhat to provide extra support.

Cuddly

a-

A "cuddly" pillow is one that is soft and huggable,
as opposed to hard, rigid, stiff and or too heavy. A down alternative pillow's softness helps it to have good ratings on this issue.

Contents won't shift / clump

c-

A main complaint for the product. At least 7% of owners report lumpiness, clumpiness.

Loft options

c+

Most down alternative pillows have medium to low loft. While they may appear to have significant height or loft,
owners often say that one's head sinks substantially into
the pillow. Fluffing may be needed after use to return
pillow to its original loft.

Back sleep friendly

b

Back sleepers are often pleased, unless there is too much or too little loft. Scrunching of the pillow may be needed to achieve adequate loft.

Stomach sleep friendly

b-

Stomach sleepers can be pleased if the pillow is soft with fairly low loft.

Side sleep friendly

b

Scrunching of the pillow may be needed to achieve adequate loft for side sleepers.

No initial odor

b-

With one or two notable exceptions, complaints about odor are not common.

Not a heat trap

b

Owners are usually pleased with air flow.

No noise

b

Noise can occasionally be an issue. The cover or lining inside may make a crackling noise.

Fewer allergies

c+

Down alternative pillows are hypoallergenic but are susceptible to dust mites given their fibrous contents.

No need to fluff and shake

d+

They will likely need at least occasional shaking or fluffing to maintain loft and overall comfort.

Ease of care

b

They are often machine washable.

Lightweight

c

They are usually about average in weight.

Top-Rated Down Alternative Pillows

The table below evaluates down alternative pillows with 77% or higher owner satisfaction based on 150 or more owner experiences.

Important: Information below regarding firmness, loft and sleeping position shows only what tends to be true for most owners. Your personal evaluation may differ.

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